My family recently finished cleaning out my grandmother’s house after her death several years ago, so I’ve been receiving several small packages of stuff that my mom found in her closets and jewelry boxes. I was incredibly close to my grandmother growing up, so I was happy to have the stuff that my mom did find. I got a whole assortment of stuff, from crazy broaches (my grandmother had quite a personality) to basic necklaces that I will end up wearing all the time. While she didn’t have things that would be considered “fancy” or anything of real value, I was thrilled to find this little black and red bead necklace amongst the tangle of things that showed up in my mailbox.

Vintage necklace – originally my grandmother’s

What I didn’t anticipate was that it would go so well with this latest addition to my novelty print collection. The colors in this dress aren’t the easiest to match exactly – the red in the dress is a little orange and the cream is a little brown, but the print is so great I’ve been wearing it a lot and trying out various options. The print is little gondolas and streetlamps from Venice, which is one of my favorite cities!

I love the little gondoliers on the boats as well! This is one of those vintage dresses that fits like it was made for me. It’s also incredibly easy to wear. No zippers, just buttons up the front and a matching belt to finish off the look. As a result, it’s gotten four or five outings already even though I purchased it pretty recently. I suspect it’ll get even more wear throughout the year once it’s less hot! One of my goals this year is to actively build my novelty print collection, so I feel like with this dress I’m well on my way!

What do you think of this print? Do you have any favorite jewelry from family members that you wear regularly?

2 comments on “What’s Red, Black and Has Gondolas All Over It?”

*Squeal* Love, love, love!!! My husband is a native son of Italy, so I can’t help but feel strongly pulled towards any fashion, especially when it’s vintage, that is Italian themed (and have been lucky to pick up a few pieces for my closet over the years). This is such darling, awesome print. Seeing it brightened my evening!

Such a great dress to add to your novelty print collection! So pretty on you! And I love it with your grandmother’s necklace! Also, I’ve really been loving how you’ve been styling your hair lately! So pretty Holly!